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Leeds United oversaw a summer of vast change under Jesse Marsch, with the American allowed to reinvest heavily following the sales of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.

With the latter, it marked a tough task to replace their top scorer, and arguably the catalyst for their survival.

Although Luis Sinisterra has performed admirably at times, it was always going to take time for the Columbian to acclimatise following his £21m move.

Perhaps Marsch might be opting for a different tactic this January, similar to what he did with Phillips, by spreading his output across multiple different players.

That could explain their reported interest in another south American winger in Gonzalo Plata.

Poised to battle with Newcastle United for his signature, the winger is currently impressing for his country at the World Cup, building upon his impressive start to life at Real Valladolid.

Having moved permanently to La Liga for a €10m (£8.5m) fee, the 22-year-old has been around the senior game for some time despite his youth.

Because of this, his average Sofascore rating of 6.71 is actually commendable, where he has been averaging 1.1 key passes per game.

Although he is viewed as a very raw wide man – with journalist Dean Jones once labelling him “pacey” – he clearly boasts all the physical assets to be a huge success in European football.

Ranking in the top 7% for dribbles completed stands as a glowing recommendation for his ability on the ball, furthering Adrian Blanco’s claim that he is a “true trickster”.

By signing this exciting 33-cap talent, it could spell the end of Dan James’ career on Elland Road.

The Welsh attacker boasts a similar skillset but has consistently underperformed at the level that is required. He has just four goals in 40 appearances since his £25m move from Manchester United.

As such, Marsch’s decision to bring in a new winger while he is out on loan is a damning assessment of his standing within the squad.

He has had his chances, but with the Ecuadorian maestro boasting 24 goal contributions to go alongside his incredible ability to beat a man, it would be a huge upgrade to swap Plata out for the 25-year-old dud.

Therefore, the American head coach can finally send James packing if he were to follow up his interest in the Ecuador whiz this January.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has presented Aston Villa, along with every other club, an opportunity to scout players ahead of the January transfer window.

They have an unprecedented chance to evaluate the squad and eye up potential recruits prior to the winter market opening, thanks to this international tournament, and Unai Emery may want to improve the team during his first window in charge of the Villans.

However, one player the Spanish head coach could swoop for is not at the World Cup for his country – centre-forward Tammy Abraham.

The Englishman was not selected to be in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad as Callum Wilson, Harry Kane, and Marcus Rashford were chosen ahead of him as options in the number nine position.

Earlier this year, 90min reported that Villa, Arsenal, and Newcastle United all made contact with Roma over a potential swoop to sign the forward in the summer.

However, he remained in Italy and his form in the Serie A tailed off, with three goals in 15 appearances, which led to him recently being linked with a possible switch to Tottenham at the end of the season.

Although it remains to be seen whether or not Roma are willing to cash in on the £96k-per-week dynamo, Emery must reignite the club’s interest in Abraham and attempt to convince the Italian side to part ways with the striker.

The Spanish coach could get Villa Park rocking by securing a deal for the centre-forward as he is a terrific, young, number nine with a pre-existing relationship with the supporters.

He spent the 2018/19 campaign on loan to Dean Smith’s team from Chelsea in the Championship and enjoyed a superb year as he scored 25 goals in 37 league matches – helping the side to secure promotion to the Premier League.

The Blues then gave him an opportunity to impress in the top-flight and he plundered 21 goals in 37 starts across two seasons before joining Roma in the summer of 2021, with former professional Steven Elliott dubbing him a “goal machine” during that period.

Jose Mourinho helped him to hit the ground running in Italy as the striker scored 17 goals in 36 starts in the Serie A during his first campaign in the capital.

His statistics prior to this season suggest that his struggles in front of goal are likely to be a blip in what is set up to be a long career of scoring goals on a consistent basis, which is why Emery must swoop for him in January or next summer.

The Villa Park supporters know what he is about after his impressive year on loan four years ago and would surely be buzzing to see him back in the claret and blue, given the potential he has to be a prolific scorer in the Premier League.

Leeds United were one of the busier sides in the summer transfer window, with the Whites’ director of football, Victor Orta, bringing no less than nine fresh faces to Elland Road prior to September’s deadline.

And, despite Leeds’ difficult start to the 2022/23 campaign – with Jesse Marsch’s side currently sitting down in 15th place in the Premier League standings – a number of the club’s new arrivals have already become a key part of the American’s starting XI.

Arguably Orta’s most impressive summer recruit has been Tyler Adams, the central midfielder who moved to LS11 from RB Leipzig in a deal reported to be worth around £15m back in July.

The 23-year-old has quickly established himself as a crucial part of Marsch’s midfield, playing the full 90 minutes in 11 of Leeds’ 12 Premier League outings so far this season, with his only absence – in the 3-2 defeat to Fulham – coming as a result of a knock.

However, not only has the USA international been a regular fixture in the Whites side, but he has also been one of the club’s most impressive performers – so much so that Manchester United are reported to be interested in a January move for the midfielder.

And, it is not difficult to see why Adams is attracting admiring glances, as the £32m-rated talent has made an average of 4.0 tackles – the second-most in the league – 1.4 interceptions and won 5.8 duels – at a success rate of 55% – per top flight fixture.

The American has also impressed in possession of the ball, creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to completing an average of 46.5 passes, 1.7 long balls and 1.3 key passes – the third-most in the Leeds squad – per game.

These returns have seen the player who James Marshment dubbed an “excellent addition” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.96, currently ranking the 23-year-old as Marsch’s fourth-best player in the league.

As such, considering just how quickly Adams has settled into life at Elland Road, coupled with the midfielder now boasting a market valuation that is 113% higher than the £15m Leeds paid for his services a matter of months ago, it is clear to see that Orta well and truly struck gold when bringing the 17-cap international to LS11 this summer.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly set to offer Miguel Almiron a new contract at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Great season so far

The Paraguayan is having a great season at St James’ Park so far, scoring six goals in 12 games in the Premier League, averaging a goal every two matches (Transfermarkt).

Five of those have come in his last five appearances as he has helped the Magpies rise to an impressive fourth place in the table.

The Latest: Contract offer pending…

Writing in his latest piece for The Telegraph, reliable journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that Almiron is set to be offered a new deal on Tyneside in order to end ‘talk’ of him leaving next year.

The Paraguay international is ‘likely’ to attract interest from rival clubs in the January transfer window, so a new contract would protect his value and offer long-term assurances to him and his family.

It is likely that a two-year extension will be offered as Newcastle try to tie him and team-mate Bruno Guimaraes down for the future, with plans already afoot over a possible new deal for the Brazilian maestro.

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The Verdict: He’d deserve it

Given how much Almiron has thrived under Eddie Howe this term, a new deal would be thoroughly deserved.

He is currently the Magpies’ top scorer in the top flight and ranks highly among the squad in terms of average tackles, shots and dribbles per match (WhoScored).

His all-round game has improved drastically, and so the 28-year-old can still be a key player for Newcastle in their long-term project under PIF.

iNews journalist Mark Douglas reports Newcastle United still ‘retain an interest’ in Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby ahead of the January window.

The Lowdown: Summer interest

The St. James’ Park outfit reportedly held an interest in Diaby in the summer, but a move never materialised despite interest from multiple suitors, and he has stayed at Leverkusen.

In 13 appearances so far this season, the winger has managed two goals and four assists over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: January move?

Writing in his latest piece for iNews, Douglas says that the North East club ‘intend to move again’ for new players in January, after spending over £120m in the summer.

Among the targets that they ‘retain an interest’ in is Diaby, although they are also still looking at Leicester City attacking midfielder James Maddison, with whom they were also linked with a move for in the summer.

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The Verdict: Statement signing

Diaby would certainly be a statement signing if the Tynesiders can pull it off.

Hailed as a player with ‘electrifying pace, good with both feet + fearless on the ball’ by The Chronicle journalist Aaron Stokes, he claims that it would be a ‘remarkable deal’ should Eddie Howe’s side be able to sign him.

Last season, the France international managed a very impressive 17 goals and 14 assists in total across all competitions, mainly playing out wide (Transfermarkt), and at 23 years of age, his ceiling is still so high.

Nonetheless, it would be a real coup if the Magpies were able to sign him and Maddison in 2023.

Arsenal are interested in a deal to bring Manuel Locatelli to The Emirates this winter.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Italian media outlet CalcioMercato, who claim that, despite turning down an offer for the midfielder from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, Juventus could still be tempted into parting with the 24-year-old this January, should they receive an offer too good to turn down – with his asking price reported to be in the region of €40m (£35m).

The report goes on to state that, having been linked with Locatelli in the past, Arsenal have now made contact with the Italy international and Juventus in order to determine whether or not the player would be interested in a move to north London this winter, although negotiations between the Serie A side and the Gunners are not believed to have started just yet.

Fabregas 2.0

With holding midfield being something of a weak point in Mikel Arteta’s first team squad – as Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are the Spaniard’s only available options in the position at present – it is not difficult to understand why the 40-year-old would be interested in a deal to bring Locatelli to The Emirates this winter.

Indeed, the £52m-rated playmaker looks to be a player very much in the mould of Arteta’s particular brand of football, with WhoScored listing two of the 24-year-old’s primary strengths as his blocking of the ball – demonstrating his ability to win possession back for his side – and his range of passing – proving his ability to help his side control the tempo of games.

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These traits are evident in the breakdown of his statistics, with FBref ranking the Italian in the top 14% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for progressive passes per 90, in addition to the top 16% for passes completed, the top 30% for passes attempted and the top 16% for blocks over the last 365 days.

Furthermore, the £96k-per-week earner has earned praise for his ability to play line-breaking passes, with journalist Raj Chohan stating of the midfielder following his display in a 2-1 victory over Belgium in October of last year:

“Italy played Locatelli at the base instead of Jorginho vs Belgium in the Nations League third-place play-off and looked unreal. He’s got way more line-breaking passes in his locker.”

And, with Arsenal having lacked a player in the mould of a true deep-lying playmaker ever since their £35m sale of Cesc Fabregas back in 2011 – who was known for his ability to “dictate the tempo” and get his team “dominating games through the middle” – the signing of a player with the capability to perform such a role could well prove transformative for Arteta’s side.

As such, not only would Locatelli appear to be a prime candidate to take up this mantle, but should the Italian go on to seal a move to north London this winter, he could well become the Gunners’ next Fabregas-esque dictator in the middle of the park – a prospect that is sure to be an incredibly tantalising one for both Arteta and supporters of the club alike.

Everton have officially been in contact with Ajax over a potential move for midfielder Mohammed Kudus, according to Ghanasoccernet.com.

The Lowdown: Career so far

After arriving in Amsterdam in 2020, the 22-year-old has gone on to make 47 appearances for the European giants, with 37 of those coming in the Eredivisie.

The youngster has already amassed 16 caps for Ghana’s national team, for whom he has impressively netted five goals from the middle of the park.

Interestingly, the youngster has played in three different positions in five matches this season, every time as a substitute – two as a centre-forward, two as an attacking midfielder and one as a right winger (via Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Everton make contact

According to a report by Ghanasoccernet.com, Everton have now made official contact with Ajax over a move for Kudus, in whom Leicester, Wolves, Tottenham and Leeds have also expressed an interest.

As per the report, the Toffees contacted the Amsterdam club on Saturday night to officially express their interest in signing the midfielder, with the Toffees seemingly wanting to take the player on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Merseysiders also informed Ajax that, after taking the 22-year-old on loan, they would then make a permanent move for him next summer.

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The Verdict: Great potential

In the Eredivise last season, Kudus averaged a 90.5% pass success rate, also adding 1.5 successful dribbles per game to his CV (via WhoScored).

Having been praised for his versatility by Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder, which has since been exemplified by the various positions in which he has played already this season, the 22-year-old has also impressed at international level.

During Ghana’s World Cup play-off against Nigeria earlier this year, BBC Sport journalist John Bennett hailed the midfielder for his emphatic performance, stating: “Ghana have a new star in Mohammed Kudus. What a talent. Great future ahead of him. The crowd reaction to some of his skills and forward runs was brilliant to see. Fan favourite.”

With such high praise in mind, Kudus’ arrival at Goodison Park would indicate a great coup for the Toffees, particularly with so many other Premier League clubs monitoring him. If they can duly go on to secure his permanent transfer should a loan move work out, this could be a brilliant long-term addition to Frank Lampard’s squad.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are ‘ready to push ahead’ to sign Lucas Paqueta and Bamba Dieng for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Attackers wanted

Having recently been linked with moves for the likes of James Maddison and Maxi Gomez, it is clear that Eddie Howe is now looking at bringing in attacking reinforcements to St. James’ Park.

They have already signed goalkeeper Nick Pope, central defender Sven Botman and left-back Matt Targett, so they can now focus on strengthening their options in the final third with time ticking down towards the September 1 deadline.

The Latest: Paqueta and Dieng interest

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that the North East club are ‘ready to push ahead’ for moves for both Paqueta and Dieng, adding that their prices fit well into their budget:

“Newcastle are ready to push ahead with moves for Marseille’s Bamba Dieng and Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta. The prices for both players fit well into Newcastle’s budget and they have both been on the club’s radar since the turn of the year.”

Expanding in his piece for 90min, the journalist shared that Marseille could be willing to sell Dieng for £15m, while Lyon could sell Paqueta for £33m plus add-ons.

The Verdict: Exciting

The fact that the Tynesiders are pursuing both of these deals is exciting for the Toon Army.

Dieng managed a handy eight goals and three assists in total over all competitions last term (Transfermarkt), and the striker has even been labelled the ‘new Sadio Mane’,  with the Senegal international starring alongside his countryman in their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph.

Paqueta meanwhile would certainly add more guile in midfield alongside his former Lyon teammate and fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimarares, scoring an impressive 11 goals and making a further seven assists from the middle of the park last campaign (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, with Maddison thought to cost around £60m, the Magpies could get both Dieng and Paqueta for less, which would be a real bargain.

Rangers winger Ryan Kent has the potential to be a ‘game changer’ for Aston Villa if he joins them this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Kent shines for Rangers

The 25-year-old has shone in Scotland since making the move to Ibrox in 2019, scoring 3o goals and registering 49 assists in 175 appearances overall.

Kent has been linked with a return south of the border throughout the summer transfer window, with Villa one of the clubs who are eyeing him up, being deemed in some quarters as the favourites to land him.

it appears that more attacking reinforcements are needed at Villa Park, especially after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth in their Premier League opener.

The Latest: Kent could be a ‘game changer’ for Villa

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke talked up the idea of Steven Gerrard signing his former player this summer.

The journalist claimed:

“I think we saw the best of Ryan Kent under Steven Gerrard and I’m sure Gerrard would be confident that he would get the best out of Kent as well if he was able to bring them to Aston Villa.

“He’s a potential game changer, Ryan Kent, on his day, a really skilful, tricky winger who can score goals, create goals as well. So I’m sure it’d be a signing that would excite the fans as well with this style of play. I think it could be a win-win situation.”

The Verdict: Perfect match

While Kent remains unproven in the Premier League, he has the potential to be an exciting signing for Villa if they move for him, especially with Gerrard knowing him so well after their time together at Rangers.

The ex-Liverpool forward would bring pace, trickery and end product in wide areas, something which has been lacking at Aston Villa. Incredibly, none of their natural wingers scored more than once in the league last season.

Kent would offer something different to a Villa team already under pressure after a dreadful result on Saturday, with the 25-year-old giving the Midlanders a fresh impetus in the final third.

Therefore, he and Villa could be a perfect match, especially under a manager who the player already knows well.

West Ham United are plotting a potential move for Leicester City youngster Luke Thomas.

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Guardian, who claimed that David Moyes is considering a move for the youngster.

Whilst he is keen on signing a left-sided midfielder, the Scotsman also wants a full-back who can compete with Aaron Cresswell. Thomas could reportedly be available if Leicester were to receive a suitable offer.

Imagine him and Kostic

With West Ham already boasting a busy summer transfer window, one added addition on the left-hand side could bolster what is already a strong part of David Moyes’ side.

The Irons are reportedly moving for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Filip Kostic, who excelled last season along the left flank.

A move for added depth just behind the potentially inbound Serbian could push Aaron Cresswell to further improve his game or see him dwindle as Thomas grows into the role.

The £25k-per-week Leicester full-back featured 22 times in the league, achieving a solid 6.75 average SofaScore rating, and he would offer a new dynamic to challenge the marauding Cresswell.

He ranked in the 90th percentile for blocks per 90 and the 91st percentile for pressures among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues last season, which would be useful for Moyes to initiate his press from full-backs pushed high up the field.

Perhaps if he were to sit behind potential new signing Kostic, who ranked in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions and assists, they would form a remarkable partnership on the Irons’ left-hand side. Thomas could be the defensive solidity to allow the 29-year-old’s creativity to shine.

The ‘Foxes of Leicester’ fan account once wrote of the defender: “Luke Thomas’ talent and maturity is impressive. Bright career ahead.”

Moyes clearly agrees with this sentiment as he aims to see his side take the next step, moving on from Europa Conference League qualification to perhaps a top-four finish.

With Thomas and Kostic down the left flank, West Ham could have a blistering attack with the mature defensive capabilities resting on young shoulders who could get even better with the passage of time and accumulation of high-level experience.

AND, in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals huge transfer development, West Ham supporters will be buzzing.